New kids on the block
Rebels start season with lots of talent, little experience
The 2007 season seems like a long time ago to the new version of the Highland Rebels. Highland, who boasted one of the most experienced teams with 17 senior starters, took the 4A-3 conference title with a week to spare in the season. But back-to-back losses to Pocahontas and in their first game of the playoffs to visiting Dardanelle put a damper on the magical season.
Then came the tornado.
The spring storm that hit the city caused a dent in school population that head coach Clay Wiggins may not feel until he gets his kids on the practice field. Even with everyone returning that is supposed to, Wiggins will have to replace the bulk of his starters and go up against 4A powers Newport, Osceola and Pocahontas.
The loss against the Redskins on the road still stings, and that coupled with a week off to think about it and a heartbreaker at home in the playoffs took the luster out of what could have been a special postseason.
Now Wiggins will deal with a lot of talent, but not a lot of experience. He will have his first test with the quarterback situation.
Stepping into the shoes of departing all-state quarterback David Street will be senior Cannon Davis, whose name alone inspires confidence. Coaches believe that the on-the-field experience around Davis will help him excel. Despite the fact the Davis has been on the bench preparing for his senior season, he has always impressed coaches and put up strong numbers in his last starting job in junior high.
Highland will have the entire receiving corps back from last year, which may make the offensive schemes become more pass-oriented.
Seniors Eric Roberts, Matt Schneider and Justin Bryant will rotate as receivers, and all have good size and ability to go after the ball, offensive coordinator Spencer Hill said. The backfield will also have a couple of players with experience as junior fullback Blake Martin will be the go-to guy on the ground at fullback. Fellow junior Michael Tarver will take over full time as the tailback.
Up front, battles were waged for starting positions during August two-a-days, but senior Jimmy Walls looks to be the strongest candidate for a job on the line. He tips the scales at 320, and he stands at 6-1. He will most likely be joined by Ryan Whited, who also pushes 300 pounds, Coty Woodson and Tyler Phillips, who is considerably smaller but will most likely take over at center.
Despite all those question marks on offense, it’s actually the defense that will be the enigma for Highland this season. Replacing nine starters is tough enough, so coaches will rely on what formations work best for the players they have on the field.
The one solid player right now is Whited, who could be the Rebels’ best defensive player. Going into fall practice, Whited will most likely be joined by Kyle Jurczyk and Zach Bloomfield on the D-line. The Rebels will most likely have Martin pull double duty as a linebacker given he is one of the few that had experience on the defensive side last year. He could be joined by sophomore Scott Gatewood, who will see substantial playing time on both sides of the ball this season.
The player with the most experience in the defensive backfield is Schneider, who will get help from fellow senior Skyler Johnson, who is small but quick.
This article was published Sunday, August 24, 2008.